An Extraordinary Event: the Visit of St Carlo Acutis
Tuesday 3rd February 2026Throughout last week, we were graced by the Relics of St Carlo Acutis, which had travelled from Assisi to our diocese for a truly special visit. It was the first time the relics had visited England since Carlo’s canonisation on 7th September 2025.
Over the five days, we welcomed almost 6,000 visitors to two of our churches, with people travelling far and wide across Greater Manchester, Lancashire and beyond to come together in the presence of Blessed Carlo.
The visit began at St Mary’s Church in Burnley on Wednesday 28th January, with the relics welcomed by Parish Priests Fr David Featherstone and Fr Theo Sharrock.
Bishop John Arnold celebrated a special Welcome Mass on Wednesday evening, as the church bustled with the many faithful in attendance.
On Friday 30th January, St Carlo’s relics travelled to Collyhurst to be received at St Patrick’s Church and welcomed by Parish Priest Canon Paul Daly.
One parishioner described the visit as “a privilege and a blessing…a once in a lifetime event.”
A Series of Talks Delivered by the Custodians of the Relics
At both churches, we heard a series of fascinating talks delivered by our guests from the Diocese of Assisi on topics such as the Eucharist and St Carlo’s own sayings, including what Mgr Anthony described as Carlo’s “Five Steps to Sainthood.” Reflecting on the saint’s short life, Mgr spoke of an ordinary young man who enjoyed his studies, loved animals and his family, and was due to one day take over the family business. Also central to Carlo’s daily life was his unfailing devotion to Jesus in the Eucharist.
Monsignor Anthony Figueiredo: Mgr Anthony has been appointed by the Archbishop of Assisi to carry worldwide the message of St Carlo Acutis and his relics. He is also responsible for international affairs for the Diocese of Assisi, having previously held assignments in the Vatican Curia, and as Spiritual Director in various seminaries.
Gwen Wiseman: Gwen is a Catholic author, retreat leader, speaker and pilgrimage guide based in Assisi, Italy. Gwen is the author of several devotional and pilgrimage-based texts, and collaborates with the Diocese of Assisi on international projects, including English-language relic missions of St Carlo Acutis.
Jacquie Stacey: Jacquie was part of the launch of the Eucharistic Miracles Encounter program, which led to the birth of The Carlo Acutis UK Apostolate.
Inspiring the next generation:
Youth & Young Adults Holy Hour Vigil
A peaceful, prayerful Holy Hour took place by candlelight at St Patrick’s on Saturday evening, with groups of young people from our parishes in attendance along with many other faithful visitors. The service included a selection of beautifully sung hymns, interspersed with periods of silent reflection, gospel readings and a moving homily from Mgr Anthony Figueiredo.
Visits from Diocesan Schools
Close to 100 of our diocesan schools brought students along to learn about and be inspired by St Carlo. Mgr Anthony described Carlo as “an ordinary kid” and encouraged our young people to follow in his footsteps on the path to sainthood. Our diocesan Education Team provided wonderful resources for both primary and secondary age groups, giving students an interactive, engaging and unique experience with the relics.
The Closing of the Visit of the Relics
Faithful visitors gathered for the Thanksgiving Mass celebrated by Bishop John at St Patrick’s on Sunday
After a blessed week of hosting St Carlo and our many visitors from across the diocese and beyond, we gathered to mark the close of the visit on Sunday evening with a special Thanksgiving Mass celebrated by Bishop John at St Patrick’s. Throughout the afternoon, the church was filled with the many faithful taking their final opportunity to witness and to venerate the relics, until their departure in the care of Mgr Anthony, their Custodian.
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all who came to share in the wonder of this occasion, to each of our volunteers and organisers, and to the parish communities of St Mary’s and St Patrick’s, for helping to facilitate this extraordinary event for our diocese.
Tagged | Around the Diocese | Bishop John | Relics | St Carlo Acutis
